How do I get from Panama City to Coiba National Park?

Take a shuttle from Panama City to Santa Catalina, the gateway town. From there, tour boats reach Coiba National Park in about 60-90 minutes. Panama Shuttles can bundle the shuttle and the Coiba tour in one booking.

When is whale watching season in Coiba?

Humpback whales typically pass through the Gulf of Chiriquí from July to October. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, but this window offers the best chance.

Can I book transportation and a Coiba tour together?

Yes. Shuttles and Coiba tours can be booked together, so one message arranges the whole trip - transport, tour and timing.

Panama City towers and the Cinta Costera waterfront at dusk

Shared & private shuttles across Panama

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We’ll take you there.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Coiba?

The dry season (December to April) generally brings calmer seas and better underwater visibility. The green season adds whale sightings and lush landscapes.

Comfortable shuttles linking Santa Catalina, Boquete, Bocas del Toro & Panama City — plus Coiba National Park tours.

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Real photos from our routes

Turquoise cove near Boca Chica, Chiriquí, from the air — Boca Chica

Summit cross of Volcán Barú above the clouds, Chiriquí — Volcán Barú

Panama City skyline and bay at dusk — Panama City

White-sand beach and turquoise water inside Coiba National Park — Coiba

Flower gardens and highland scenery in Boquete, Chiriquí — Boquete

Colourful stilt houses over the water in Bocas del Toro — Bocas del Toro

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Fixed prices — no surprises Hotel pickup on request A/C vans with luggage space Shuttle + Coiba tour combos

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“Super easy to book over WhatsApp and the driver was right on time. The ride from Boquete to Santa Catalina was smooth and comfortable.”

Sarah M. · United States

★★★★★

“We bundled our shuttle with the Coiba snorkeling tour — best day of our Panama trip. Everything was arranged in one booking.”

Lukas & Anna · Germany

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“Reliable, friendly and great value. Used them three times to get around the country. Highly recommend.”

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Private transfers

Your own vehicle,
your own schedule.

Skip the shared timetable. Travel door-to-door at the time you choose, with the whole vehicle to yourself — ideal for families, groups, early flights and travelers with plenty of luggage.

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Shared or private?

Choose what fits your trip

What you get	Shared shuttle	Private transfer
Price	Fixed price per person	Per vehicle — ask for a quote
Schedule	Fixed departure times	You choose the time
Pickup	At your accommodation	At your accommodation
Stops	May include brief stops	Direct, or stops you request
Best for	Solo travelers & couples	Families, groups, flights, extra luggage

Why go private

Travel your way

The vehicle is all yours

No strangers, no extra stops — just your group.

Depart when you want

Set your own pickup time, day or night.

Direct routes

The fastest way from A to B, door to door.

Extra luggage welcome

Surfboards, dive gear and big bags — no problem.

Anywhere in Panama

Airports, beaches, mountains, remote towns.

Comfort & safety first

Well-maintained, insured vehicles and careful, professional drivers.

Request a private quote on WhatsApp

One of Panama’s greatest natural wonders

Visit Coiba
National Park

Travel comfortably to Santa Catalina and experience crystal-clear water, tropical islands, whale watching, sea turtles, dolphins and world-class snorkeling — a protected marine paradise on Panama’s Pacific coast.

Book transportation Explore Coiba tours

Transport + tour, one booking

Combination packages

Book your ride and your Coiba adventure together in one seamless itinerary. Pick your starting point:

Shuttles + tours, one easy booking

Coiba National Park day tours

Full-day Coiba tours depart from Santa Catalina — snorkeling, diving and marine-wildlife adventures led by local guides who know these waters best. One team handles your transport and your tour: no middlemen, no handoffs, one seamless trip.

Want to book the tour directly? The Santa Catalina snorkeling specialists at SnorkelCoiba.com run full-day Coiba departures.

Snorkeling

Reefs teeming with color

🐠

Scuba Diving

Some of the Pacific’s best

🐋

Whale Watching

Seasonal humpbacks

🏝️

Island Hopping

Untouched islands

🦈

Wildlife Observation

Reef sharks & rays

🐢

Marine Life Encounters

Turtles & dolphins

🏖️

Beach Exploration

Granito de Oro & more

📷

Photography

Postcard scenery

Everything you need to know

Coiba travel guide

What is Coiba National Park?

Coiba is the largest island in Central America, set in the Gulf of Chiriquí off Panama’s Pacific coast. Once a remote penal colony, it stayed untouched for decades — leaving behind pristine reefs, jungle and marine life now protected as a national park.

Why visit Coiba?

It holds one of the largest coral reefs in the Eastern Pacific and extraordinary marine biodiversity. Clear water, abundant wildlife and very few crowds make it one of Panama’s most rewarding adventures.

Best snorkeling sites

Granito de Oro — a tiny island with easy, spectacular snorkeling
Isla Coibita (Rancheria) — calm, shallow reefs
Canales de Afuera — deeper reefs rich with fish

Marine biodiversity

Expect whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, dolphins, huge schools of tropical fish and — in season — humpback whales. Lucky visitors even spot whale sharks.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Coiba National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 for its exceptional biodiversity and its role as a natural laboratory for marine science.

Whale watching season

Humpback whales migrate through these waters roughly from July to October. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the season offers the best chance to see them alongside dolphins.

Best months to visit

The dry season (December–April) usually brings calmer seas and clearer water — ideal for snorkeling and diving. The green season adds whale sightings and lush scenery. There’s no bad time to go.

How to get to Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is the gateway to Coiba. We shuttle you there from Panama City, Boquete, Bocas del Toro, David and more. From Santa Catalina, boats reach the park in roughly 60–90 minutes.

What to bring

Reef-safe sunscreen, hat & sunglasses
Swimwear, towel and a change of clothes
Reusable water bottle & light snacks
Dry bag for phone/camera and any medication

Good to know

Coiba is a protected park: visits go through authorized operators and include a park entrance fee. Tours suit most fitness levels, and life jackets are provided — you don’t need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy snorkeling.

Shot on our tours

What you actually see underwater

No stock photos — these are real frames from Coiba and the Pacific around Santa Catalina.

Sea turtle swimming just below the surface near Coiba — Green sea turtles

Two dolphins swimming in deep blue water near Coiba — Dolphins on the crossing

Coral heads and reef fish in clear water at Coiba — Reef and tropical fish

Plan your trip

Suggested itineraries

3-Day Coiba Adventure

Quick escape to the Pacific

Day 1 · Panama City → Santa CatalinaMorning shuttle across the country; settle into the beach town.
Day 2 · Coiba National Park tourFull-day snorkeling, island hopping and wildlife with expert local guides.
Day 3 · Return to Panama CityRelaxed morning, then your shuttle back.

5-Day Panama Nature Experience

Highlands, valleys & marine wonders

Panama City → El Valle de AntónCrater-valley town, waterfalls and hot springs.
El Valle → BoqueteCool mountain air, coffee farms and cloud forest.
Boquete → Santa CatalinaDown to the Pacific coast and surf town.
Coiba National Park tourThe marine highlight of the trip.
Santa Catalina → onward / Panama CityWe handle the connection wherever you’re headed next.

Build my Coiba itinerary

Groups, families & charters

Traveling as a group? We quote per van, not per seat

The more of you travel together, the better the price per person. Tell us your group size and we build the trip around you — your departure time, your pickup point, your stops.

Families with kids

Room for strollers and extra bags, departure times we can shift around nap schedules, and hotel pickup on request so nobody walks with luggage and tired kids.

Surf, dive & adventure crews

Boards, dive gear and backpacks travel with you. We plan the route around your surf session or dive schedule.

Hostel & hotel groups

From 4 to 15 passengers in one booking. One contact, one confirmation, one price for the whole group.

Planning a multi-stop trip across Panama?

Panama City → El Valle de Antón → Santa Catalina → Boquete → Bocas del Toro. Send us your dates and we plan the whole circuit, with one van and one driver looking after you the entire way.

Get a group quote on WhatsApp

For hotels, hostels & tour operators

Send your guests with us

We work with hostels, hotels, surf schools, dive shops and tour operators across Panama. Your guests get a reliable transfer; you get a partner you can recommend without worrying.

Become a partner

Commission on every bookingSimple, agreed per booking — paid on confirmed trips.
Direct WhatsApp line for partnersNo forms and no waiting: message us and we confirm seats fast.
Priority seats for your guestsTell us your busy dates and we hold space on the route.
Printed material for your receptionRoute cards and prices your staff can hand to guests.

Questions & answers

Coiba FAQ

How do I get from Panama City to Coiba?

Take our shuttle from Panama City to Santa Catalina — the gateway town. From there, your tour boat reaches Coiba National Park in about 60–90 minutes. We can bundle both in one booking.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?

No. Life jackets are provided and many snorkeling spots are shallow and calm. Guides stay close and tailor the day to your comfort level.

When is whale watching season?

Humpback whales typically pass through from July to October. Sightings can’t be guaranteed, but this window offers the best chance.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

The dry season (December–April) generally means calmer seas and better underwater visibility. The green season brings whales and lush landscapes — both are great.

Is there a park entrance fee?

Yes. Coiba is a protected national park, so visits go through authorized operators and include a park fee. Our team handles the permits and logistics for you.

Can you arrange transport + tour together?

Absolutely — that’s our specialty. We arrange both the shuttle and the Coiba tour, so one message gets your whole trip arranged — transport, tour and timing.

Make the most of your visit to Santa Catalina

Already planning your trip? Complete your adventure by adding a snorkeling or diving experience in Coiba National Park with expert local guides — and bundle your transportation and tour for a seamless journey.

Plan my Coiba trip

Get in touch

Questions about a route, a private transfer or a Coiba tour? Reach out — we usually reply within a few hours.

+507 6907 4119

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Fill in your details and send the booking request by email or WhatsApp. We confirm availability quickly — no payment needed to request.

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Notes (hotel / pickup point, luggage, questions)

Your request is sent directly to booking@panamashuttles.com and you receive an instant copy by email. We confirm seat availability, pickup point and final price by WhatsApp or email — usually within a few hours. No payment is needed to request.

Relax. Explore.We’ll take you there.

Find your route

Convenient pickup points

Modern A/C vehicles

Local expert drivers

Book in minutes

Beyond the scheduled routes

Airport transfers

Group charters

Custom routes

Multi-stop trips

Best-selling routes

Explore Panama at a glance

Visit Coiba National Park

How it works

Pick your route

Message us on WhatsApp

We pick you up

Where will you go next?

What our passengers say

Ready to travel?

Where can we take you?

Your own vehicle,your own schedule.

Choose what fits your trip

Travel your way

The vehicle is all yours

Depart when you want

Direct routes

Extra luggage welcome

Anywhere in Panama

Comfort & safety first

Visit CoibaNational Park

Combination packages

Coiba National Park day tours

Snorkeling

Scuba Diving

Whale Watching

Island Hopping

Wildlife Observation

Marine Life Encounters

Beach Exploration

Photography

Coiba travel guide

What is Coiba National Park?

Why visit Coiba?

Best snorkeling sites

Marine biodiversity

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Whale watching season

Best months to visit

How to get to Santa Catalina

What to bring

Good to know

What you actually see underwater

Suggested itineraries

3-Day Coiba Adventure

5-Day Panama Nature Experience

Traveling as a group? We quote per van, not per seat

Families with kids

Surf, dive & adventure crews

Hostel & hotel groups

Planning a multi-stop trip across Panama?

Send your guests with us

Coiba FAQ

Make the most of your visit to Santa Catalina

Get in touch

WhatsApp

Email

Hours

Book your trip

Panama travel blog

Relax. Explore.
We’ll take you there.

Your own vehicle,
your own schedule.

Visit Coiba
National Park